premiere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

'Premier' (without the final 'e') is primarily an adjective meaning 'first in importance, order, or position' (e.g., the premier league) or a noun for a head of government. 'Premiere' (with the 'e') is a noun for a first performance/showing or a verb meaning to present something for the first time.

Yes, it can be used metaphorically for the first public appearance or launch of any significant product, collection, or even idea (e.g., 'the premiere of the autumn fashion collection', 'the software's premiere'), though the core association remains with performing arts.

Yes. British English typically stresses the first syllable (/ˈprɛmɪeə/), while American English stresses the last (/prɪˈmɪr/). The BrE pronunciation also has a distinct triphthong or two-syllable sound at the end, whereas AmE is one syllable.

It is an intransitive verb (the film premieres) or can be used transitively (the channel premiered the film). Common prepositions are 'at' for a venue ('premiered at the Sundance Festival'), 'on' for a date/channel ('premieres on Friday'), and 'in' for a location ('premiered in New York').

The first public performance of a play, film, or other show.

Premiere is usually formal, artistic, journalistic in register.

Premiere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɛmɪeə/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪˈmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.